Chapter 3. Cross-language influences in the processing of L2 prosody

Abstract

Prosodic cues play a key role in speech processing at multiple levels of linguistic structure. Despite this, research on the role of prosodic cues in second language (L2) speech processing, and on how prosody interacts with other linguistic systems, is comparatively underdeveloped. Meanwhile, our understanding of prosodic systems and their typological variation is substantially matured, making this an ideal time to grow such research. We briefly outline key models aiming to explain acquisition and use of prosody by L2 learners. We then explore cross-language influences in the processing of L2 prosody in four areas which have received the most attention to date: word segmentation, syntactic processing, information structure and pragmatics/global features. We end by highlighting key directions for future research.